The design of Takamichi Beauty Room is especially noteworthy, thanks to a striking midnight blue and black palette; dazzling mural of Japanese fireworks by Takamichi’s friend and artist, Santi Moix; and punchy Maharam pillows.

Zachary Littman

New York’s newest beauty destination isn’t obvious, in the traditional sense. It’s not clad in all-white. It doesn’t feel clinical. It’s not trying to shove wellness – in all its obnoxiously privileged, overhyped incarnations – down your throat. It’s not driven by trends, either.

Takamichi Beauty Room, which recently opened in a quiet pocket of Gramercy, is a wholly unique type of shop. Opened by Takamichi Saeki, the famed hairstylist behind the chic Takamichi Hair on Bowery, it sets a new standard for how you purchase beauty, grooming, and home goods.

The space is snug, but cozy. The design is dark and lovely, thanks to a striking midnight blue and black palette; dazzling mural of Japanese fireworks by Takamichi’s friend and artist, Santi Moix; and punchy Maharam pillows.

Takamichi Beauty Room is located at 125 E. 17th Street.

Zachary Littman

As for the product roster? It’s wonderfully diverse, a bit offbeat, and surprising – even for the biggest beauty junkie. Because in the end, Takamichi Beauty Room wants to curate a warm, yet quirky experience – where buying something as humble as deodorant feels as indulgent as buying a Cire Trudon candle. (Oh, and bespoke men’s and women’s haircuts, blowouts, and updos are also available.)

It’s well-known that vitamin C is one of the most effective anti-aging ingredients out there, and this serum incorporates 10% tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate (THD), which is more lipid soluble than other forms of Vitamin C. (Translation: it penetrates the skin better and faster.) In addition, cold pressed blueberry and rosehip seed oils bump up the benefits further with antioxidants and retinol-like benefits (without the irritation). “This is organic and highly efficient,” says Takamichi. “Plus, the scent and texture bring me to a happy place.”

Patrick Coard's candles are unscented and highly sculptural.

Patrick Coard

Patrick Coard Black Zebra candle, $240

Based in Paris, the half-Danish, half-Irish designer’s practice explores and pushes the boundaries of the everyday household item. But instead of encasing his in glass or infusing them with fragrance, Coard enlists a far more provocative approach by “making them unscented and sculptural; basically, the opposite of a traditional candle,” says Takamichi. They’re beautiful to behold when new, but become even more exquisite as the wax melts and continues to transform the shape.

Tenax Hair Cream can be used on both wet and dry hair.

Tenax

Tenax Hair Cream, $12

This Italian grooming cream is ideal for men and women who prefer a more polished look. And really, there’s little it can’t do, including coaxing flyaways into place, conditioning dry ends, and adding hold and sheen to your hair. Takamichi especially loves this product for its versatility, since “it can be used on both dry and wet hair.” And because the formula is water soluble, it easily shampoos out and won’t cause dull buildup.

La Terre de Sommières is a US exclusive item at Takamichi Beauty Room.

La Terre de Sommières

La Terre de Sommières, $15

Swap out your Tide to Go stick with something chicer, and far more natural. Already a cult product in France, this miracle stain remover is a US exclusive to Takamichi Beauty Room. Of its appeal, Takamichi explains, “I'm a mess, and this fine powder has saved many of my nice shirts, making even the greasiest stains vanish.”

Takamichi Beauty Room is located at 125 E. 17th Street, next to Bar Jamón and Casa Mono. It's open Tuesdays through Saturdays, from 12pm to 8pm, and Saturdays 11am to 6pm. For more information, call (917) 388-2725. You can also follow Takamichi Beauty Room on Instagram at @TakamichiBeautyRoom.

I cover travel – like hip hotels, a destination's can't-miss dining, and products that make the journey easier.